Different ways to recruit volunteers

I've come to learn that many folks think advertising in the bulletin is the only way to get volunteers.  In reality, it's only one of many ways to invite people to serve!  Marketing practices advise making announcements in three to seven different ways for people to even begin to notice.

The truth is that everyone doesn't come to Mass at SJN every weekend.  They're out of town, went to a different parish or ran out of time, so if the only way you're advertising your event or asking for volunteers is through the bulletin, there's a large chunk of people who might not hear of your news until after the fact, and what help is that?

Here are some examples of the different ways you can get the word out in our parish about ministry opportunities:

• Work with me, the director of communications, young adults and ministries, to let me know what your specific needs are.  I meet every day with parishioners who regularly ask about different opportunities.  I also maintain lists of specific ways in which people have volunteered to help from time to time -- i.e.  Need someone who enjoys gardening?  I've got folks!  Need someone who likes working with arts and crafts?  I've got folks!  Let me know so I can help you.  
• Sponsor breakfasts after the morning Masses during the school year. At the breakfasts, be sure to have your ministry well represented with members and any other handout materials to give to the many parishioners who come to get a bite. Talk to them and share your passion for your ministry. Contact me to get on the breakfast schedule. 
• Find out when other ministries meet and how to publicize your activities with them. Ask to speak at their meetings and see how your ministries can help each other.
• Run something in the parish eNewsletter.  This e-mail goes out weekly to almost every parishioner and is more apt to be read than in the bulletin.  It goes straight to people's inboxes!  Requested announcements should be e-mailed to me by 2 p.m. on Thursdays.
• Request something to be put on the parish Web site.  The Web site reaches our visitors, members and anyone passing by our virtual home and there's plenty of space to be used!  Let me know what you'd like, and I'd be happy to work with you.
• Put a flyer on the bulletin board in the parish office.  Submit items for approval to me.
• Run something in the bulletin.  Yes, this is still always an option.  Deadlines are 10 days before you'd like the announcement to run.  Send your requested blurb to bulletin@sjnaustin.org. 

What other creative ways have you found in looking for help?